Why Should History Be Taught and Studied?
History is an important subject and
discipline of study. It teaches us so many things and enlightens us. It makes us
wiser nobler, braver and sagacious. It helps us to see our roots in the past and
prepare for the future. And the peoples who refuse to learn from the past are
destined to suffer and lose. The study of history teaches us how to avoid
mistakes and errors and exploit our strengths. It also helps us in becoming more
adaptable, dynamic, practical and result oriented in the light of past events,
happenings and historical developments. It is really thrilling to know with the
help of history how our forefathers lived and worked and how much we have
progressed since their time.
All our space researches and travels are a
great attempt to rediscover ourselves, our creation and the history of the
universe. Man likes and loves to unravel the mysteries of life and nature. And
this is all history in a comprehensive and liberal sense. It is foolish to
confine history to the recorded facts, figures and statements. They are
important and interesting but to know about the unknown past is more significant
and interesting.
History is a serious subject and should be
taught and learnt with all the seriousness it deserves. The American founder of
Ford Motor company made a sweeping statement when he said, ''History is more or
less bunk, ''His statement was not based on facts. It was wrong and erroneous.
History is neither a sting of tales and fables nor a collection of dry and
useless facts and figures. The prejudice against history is because of our
failure to understand the subject in its proper perspective. It is not a mere
collection of the records of past events and happenings. It is not a mere record
of wars, battles and treaties of the past. It is much more than that. Carlyle
called history as the biography of the great men. But he has not told the whole
truth about history. It is biography of great men but besides this, it is also
the history of the triumphs, travails and progress of human civilization.
Great men are there because there are common men and public. History is also the
record of the march of human culture, religion, arts, literature and ethos. We
should not view history through the narrow spectacles of our likes and dislikes.
History should be studied because it is a
fascinating subject. It is full of marvelous facts, figures, events, doings and
happenings and facts are stranger than fiction. Study of history is not only
profitable but also very interesting. It is as interesting as a thrilling novel,
fiction or a story. Many great works of literature are based on history.
Shakespeare has created many historical plays. there are many great historical
novels, fictions and stories in the world literature. Study of history
strengthens the bonds of nationalism unity and integrity. It teaches us how o be
proud of past common cultural heritage and achievements. It broadens the horizon
of our understanding and teaches us how to appreciate the cultures and life
styles of other countries. It also very well underlines the fact that life is
basically one and the same everywhere. It is through the study of history that
better understanding and relations among nations can be achieved and maintained.
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